It's time for a Q&A with another inspiring woman! Raquelle of Moi Communications is a freelance public relations and digital strategy specialist and she is AMAZING. I hope you enjoy this introduction of Raquelle and her thoughts on what it takes to be successful in PR.
missmilaso: What do you like about working in PR?
Raquelle: I like how PR requires you to think about multiple things- design, analytical and creative thinking to name a few. I see it as a career where I could have the best of all worlds. Specializing in the tech industry, there's a huge area of creativity. As well, I just have a glutton for learning. The beautiful thing about digital production is that you're always learning new technology. In the advertising world, you always have to be on the cutting edge of what's new. You're constantly thrown into positions where you have to learn an entire software or hardware and then put it into use for your campaign - which is fun for me.
missmilaso: How do you manage your work?
Raquelle: Whenever you're working on your own, it's always a struggle to find your rhythm. So that's something that I'm really trying to practice. I wake up every morning and start off the day with exercise and yoga, come home, walk my dog and then I begin working.
missmilaso: It's not easy to keep up a routine sometimes. What are your tips to stay on top of things?
Raquelle: I use an app called 30/30 which uses the concept of doing one thing and only allotting 30-minutes. This way you're going to be a lot more productive on that task. For me, I was always that person in school who put things off. This app is basically a timer where you add different tasks and do each one for 30-minutes. Everyday I go through that day's list with the flexibility to play and pause the timer.
missmilaso: I've always been a procrastinator in school as well! So this really works?
Raquelle: Yes it has helped me so much. However, you really do have to be conscious and really go by this app for it to work or otherwise it won't do anything! Another app I use is WorkFlowy. It's really simple. Almost painfully simple, so much that I wonder why didn't I think of this? WorkFlowy is an app that uses how your brain works and funnels it into one single page. It's just bullet point lists where you have the satisfaction of crossing them out when you're done.
missmilaso: How do you deal with difficult clients or situations?
Raquelle: I have had amazing clients so far. However, I can give you an example of a challenge. The majority of my clients are US-based and while I don't have difficult clients, sometimes there's difficulty in the sense that I'm not there physically. Being the person who has people looking to for knowledge and guidance, communication is key and could be a challenge when you're not there. Also, you have to make sure that you are communicating and keeping the different players in the loop - whether it's their designer, project manager or CEO. If I can't be there in person, phone calls and Skype are absolute saviours.
missmilaso: It sounds very challenging to manage so much at once. What kind of traits / attributes does a good PR person have?
Raquelle: There's definitely a stigma around PR people. That they are always out, very social, bubbly and are out partying all the time. I don't necessarily agree that you have to be really outgoing or bubbly, I've seen quiet people do amazing things in PR. You need to be a creative person, a good writer, and a good communicator. It doesn't matter if you're shy, but you must be able to communicate well. I also think that you need to have a dynamite business sense.
missmilaso: Is a dynamite business sense something you could learn?
Raquelle: I actually don't know the answer to that! But I think it's just like any other skill, where you have to practice it.
missmilaso: Now with all the new media, it's no longer just about traditional forms of media. You need to be fluent in all forms. Do you think your youth is helping you succeed in this industry?
Raquelle: PR is a very forward type of industry. The people who are in it are always learning about the newest things. In that sense, I think the majority of the industry is on the ball. Regardless of industry and age, I think it's really about having the drive to do anything that excites you. My age helps to a certain extent as well, since I grew up in the age social media. Also, I can work through the night without it really affecting me still!
missmilaso: How does social media's new language affect PR? You know, with all the hashtags, acronyms and all?
Raquelle: I think PR will just go with the times. It does present a gap if you're a company that is trying to speak to different audiences at the same time. For example, the language you use with teens may not necessarily translate with people in their 50's. You have to be very targeted with the messaging. Language is constantly changing and I think it's a really great thing. I was listening to my little sister talk with our cousin, and they are constantly coming up with little acronyms. It's pretty funny and neat at the same time when you're listening to the morph of our language.
missmilaso: I like to get different people's opinions on this in my interviews out of curiosity...what's your take on talent vs. practice?
Raquelle: (Laughs) I really do think that you can do anything well with practice and dedication. It definitely helps to have talent. In PR, talent will come down to great communication skills. Also on a daily basis, in PR you are dealing with extremely opinionated people - whether they are reporters, bloggers, or entrepreneurs. So beyond talent, you need to have thick skin.
missmilaso: Thank you Raquelle! You definitely have a great blend of talent and dedication, coupled with a dynamite business sense. Best of luck to you and Moi Communications and I can't wait to catch up with you again.